Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a malignancy that develops from cells of the prostate gland that may eventually spread outside the gland to other parts of the body. The prostate gland is typically the size of a walnut, and is behind the base of the penis and under the bladder. The main function of the prostate is to make fluid that carries sperm.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among American men and is usually found in those older than 65. Each year, approximately 2,000 Arkansans will be told they have prostate cancer. While most prostate cancers grow very slowly; some spread quickly to other areas.

In general, men 50 and older should receive annual prostate cancer screenings. However, African-American men and men with close family members who have had prostate cancer are at greatest risk. These men should begin prostate cancer screenings at age 40.

Symptoms

Problems passing urine, such as pain, difficulty starting or stopping the stream or dribbling

Low back pain

Pain with ejaculation

Blood in urine or semen

Treatment

Radical Prostatectomy

Traditional radical prostatectomy requires an eight to 10-inch incision. While highly effective, this so-called “open” procedure can result in substantial blood loss and the need for blood transfusions; it also involves substantial risk for both sexual impotence and urinary incontinence, and it may require a lengthy and uncomfortable recovery.

da Vinci® Prostatectomy

Da Vinci Prostatectomy incorporates a state-of-the-art surgical system, complete with robotic technology, that helps your surgeon perform a more precise procedure by providing a clearer view of vital anatomical structures. With the da Vinci Prostatectomy, recovery is much shorter and offers substantially less pain than traditional prostate surgery. Other advantages may include reduced need for blood transfusions, less scarring and less risk of infection. Moreover, recent studies suggest that da Vinci Prostatectomy offers improved cancer control and a lower incidence of impotence and urinary incontinence.

Preventive Tests

A complete prostate exam usually includes a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Prostate cancer screenings can be performed by several kinds of doctors: urologists, oncologists, or any primary-care physician (family physician, general practice physician, internal medicine doctor or geriatrics physician).

UroNav MR/Ultrasound Fusion

UroNav MR/Ultrasound (US) fusion is an option for patients with negative transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy. This technique fuses pre-biopsy magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate with ultrasound-guided biopsy images in real time, for excellent delineation of the prostate and suspicious lesions. Performing a biopsy with MR/US fusion holds the potential to target the suspicious areas, reduce the number of tissue samples acquired and may reduce the risk of infection, bleeding, pain and recovery time.

Candidates for MR/US fusion have:

an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level greater than four

a negative prior transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy with continued elevation or rising PSA